The publication is reproduced in full below:
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HYATTSVILLE MAYOR KEVIN WARD
______
HON. STENY H. HOYER
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Mayor Kevin Ward. The Hyattsville community lost a trusted leader and a strong advocate when Kevin tragically lost his life to suicide on January 22. He was just forty-four years old and left behind a husband, two sons, and a grandson. His loss is deeply felt across the community and throughout Prince George's County in my district, and the outpouring of grief is a testament to the impact he left on so many. There was no one more willing to lend an ear to a neighbor or to do whatever it took to change someone's life for the better in the community to which he gave so much of his energy, talent, and love.
Kevin saw Hyattsville as `the jewel in the crown of Prince George's County,' and he dedicated himself to making that jewel shine brighter. In 2015, Kevin was elected to the Hyattsville City Council, and during his tenure as a Council member and later as Council President, he promoted an inclusive agenda to help Hyattsville residents thrive and get ahead. He cosponsored legislation aimed at making Hyattsville more welcoming to and inclusive of immigrants and voted to expand the municipal franchise to include non-citizen residents. Under his leadership, Hyattsville experienced unprecedented economic growth with the expansion of the Gateway Arts District and creation of new housing.
In 2020, Kevin became Interim Mayor and was elected to a full term last May. As Hyattsville's first openly gay and second Black mayor, Kevin was a trailblazer not only in representation but in the boldness of his vision. During his time in office, he was a champion for youth, affordable housing, and sustainability efforts. He worked zealously to help residents throughout the pandemic, partnering with the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville to set up vaccination clinics and food distribution for those in need.
Kevin was more than an exemplary public servant: he was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband. His love for his husband Chad, his sons Sydney and Norman, and his grandson Elijah inspired him to work for a better future for them and all who shared their community. I offer my deepest condolences to Kevin's family, friends, and neighbors, who will surely be reflecting on his legacy for a long time to come and who have already been an enormous support to Chad, their sons, and their grandson during this very difficult time. Through the darkness of this moment, surely Kevin's memory will be the inspiring light to guide the community forward into brighter days to come. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in remembering Kevin Ward and his life of service, passion, and love for his community.
The rise in suicide among Black Americans is a challenge we as a nation cannot ignore. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health struggles for millions of Americans, and it is essential that we all do our part to reach out and help others who may be in need of assistance. I urge anyone struggling with grief or mental health challenges to reach out and seek support from the many resources available, including the National Suicide Hotline at (800) 273-8255.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 25
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up